Hightower was a second-team AP All-American in 2007 with 1,924 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground, along with 32 catches for 2008 yards and three scores. His senior year rushing total was more than his first three seasons combined, although he did average 5.1 yards per carry on 316 rushes over his sophomore and junior years. He took full advantage of the opportunity presented to him in his final college hurrah, and it may pay off with his name being announced on Sunday at the NFL Draft.

Positives: Widely-built and stout body for an NFL inside runner … Will get the tough yards inside, but also has the ability to shift his hips and bounce outside for additional yardage … Should be a solid one-cut runner with a burst to the hole … Gets his pad level down low to push the pile and run over a smaller defender … Shows natural hands in the flat and can make a defensive back miss in space … Holds up in pass protection fairly well, and should improve with more work.

Negatives: Lacks breakaway speed … Not elusive, and he will try to dance in the hole at times instead of using his power to get the available yardage … Ball security can be an issue … Likes to spin to elude a defender, but is not quick enough to do so against NFL-caliber players.

Earned All-State final two years for head coach Mark Gowin … Team MVP and First Team All-I.A.C … Served as team captain in 2002 and 2003 … Spring Factory Varsity Magazine top-100 running back … Earned three varsity letters in football and two in baske